New South Wales is extending their Origin rivalry off the field this year with supporters urged to turn their pride and passion towards helping the Blues win the inaugural community fundraising showdown with Queensland.
Today’s launch of the State of Origin Challenge between the Blues Foundation and Maroons Foundation coincides with Game One of the Ampol Women’s State of Origin Series in Newcastle.
The challenge runs alongside the 2026 Ampol State of Origin series (for both women and men) from 30 April to 9 July, rallying fans to raise funds for initiatives delivered through each state’s foundation.
For the first time, supporters will be able to back their state in a way that’s measured in impact off the field, not just points on it, turning the game’s famous rivalry into a community fundraising showdown.
Backed by the NSW Government and Premier Chris Minns, the Blues Foundation campaign will invite NSW communities and Blues fans to play their part in a rivalry that aims to deliver lasting benefits right across the state.
Through the Blues Foundation, NSW Rugby League supports programs that strengthen communities, grow participation and help ensure the game remains a positive force for families, volunteers and players.
NSW Rugby League Chief Executive David Trodden said the initiative gives people a clear way to translate Origin passion into practical support for the grassroots game.
“Origin is built on pride, and that pride has always extended beyond match night,” Trodden said.
“By supporting the Blues Foundation, fans can help back projects that make a difference in NSW communities, while taking on Queensland in a contest that lives well beyond the scoreboard.”
Funds raised will be directed to community outcomes across NSW, supporting opportunities for more people to connect with Rugby League and the benefits it brings.
Trodden said the focus is on outcomes that help local clubs and communities thrive with the Blues Foundation providing support across our diversity, equity and inclusion, multicultural, all abilities and mental fitness and wellbeing initiatives and programs, including Changing Rooms (Mental Fitness) Program, Women In Sport Leadership Program, Harmony Nines Event, and Reconciliation, Respect and Tolerance Initiatives.
“Whether it’s participation, inclusion, education and wellbeing, or support for community facilities, we want Rugby League to be accessible and welcoming for everyone,” he said.
QRL chief executive Ben Ikin said the concept highlights the wider role Origin can play in supporting communities.
“This rivalry is about more than winning, it’s about impact, and what we can achieve together,” Ikin said.
The fundraising tally will remain live throughout the series, with the winner decided when the final whistle blows in Brisbane.
Blues fans can get involved by supporting the Blues Foundation and helping NSW win the contest that matters beyond game day.
The Blues Foundation is run in partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF), which means that donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
ASF is the only deductible gift recipient for sport in Australia. This means that donations of $2 or more to approved projects on our website are tax deductible. Shortly after making your donation, you'll receive an official receipt from the ASF that you can use in your income tax return.
If you have any questions about your donation, please visit: https://asf.org.au/faqs
To pledge your support, click here.
About the Blues Foundation
The Blues Foundation was established in 2024 as the official charity and social impact program of the NSW Rugby League. Our vision is to draw on the power of Rugby League and the Blues brand to make a positive difference to the lives of our Rugby League family and communities.
The Foundation exists to help build a stronger community and game in NSW and sustained success for the clubs, participants and volunteers at the grassroots of Rugby League throughout the entire state.
We focus on raising funds to support grassroots Rugby League programs that bring people and communities together, change lives and grow opportunities and excellence for future generations of Rugby League players and supporters, as well as providing welfare support for injured players.
Contributions to the Blues Foundation will support programs and initiatives aligned to our Foundation pillars, in three core areas related to the NSWRL values of UNITED and LEGACY, and vision as the “game for all”, delivering EXCELLENCE on and off the field.
